The inaugural Design Miami/Paris is just a few weeks away! Amid the excitement and all our preparations, we took a moment to sit down with Jen Roberts and Grela Orihuela, Design Miami/s CEO and Senior Vice President of Fairs, to learn more about their hopes and the vision behind the fair’s newest iteration.

Design Miami/Paris will coincide with Paris+ par Art Basel, taking place October 17-22 at the exquisite L’hôtel de Maisons. Joining our flagship fairs in Basel and Miami Beach, the Paris event represents the latest offering in our ongoing dedication to passionately celebrating the global design community.

Design Miami/How does it feel to be bringing Design Miami/ to Paris for the first time?

Jen Roberts/ Bringing Design Miami/ to Paris for the first time is an exhilarating and momentous experience. It feels like we’re embarking on a new chapter in our journey, one that’s filled with anticipation and excitement. Paris, with its rich history and deep cultural roots in art and design, provides an inspiring backdrop for our inaugural show.

DM/ How do you expect the Paris show to differ from other Design Miami/ venues?

JR/ We expect the Paris show to offer a distinct and intimate atmosphere compared to our other venues. The choice of venue, a centuries-old residence, adds a unique layer of historical charm and intimacy. The overall vibe will be more personal, fostering a sense of connection and community. Additionally, the relationships we’ve built within the Parisian design community have played a pivotal role in shaping the show, making it a reflection of shared interests and passions.

DM/ How has the Design Miami/ community responded to the opportunity to participate in and experience the show in Paris?

Grela Orihuela/ The response from the galleries has been tremendous—so positive and collaborative. Our exhibitors embraced the concept of participating in this iconic home with such enthusiasm, and, based on the requests for information from our collectors, we can see that they are quite excited to join us in Paris as well.

DM/What can visitors expect to find at Design Miami/ Paris? Can you share some highlights?

GO/Our guests can expect the best in collectible design, both historic and contemporary, within the rooms of this special venue, some of which are shared by two galleries—which changes the dynamic of the conversation. We are telling a story from room to room, which extends out into the magical garden with a special outdoor edition of our Design at Large program. In the courtyard, as well, guests can enjoy Galerie Mitterand’s presentation of Lalanne’s exceptional 1989 Ane Attelé (grand), which was previously included in the 2021 Lalanne retrospective at Versailles.

Additional highlights include American gallery Friedman Benda’s installation, which will feature pieces by some of the most intriguing designers of our day, including Faye Toogood, Joris Laarman, Raphael Navot, Samuel Ross, and Daniel Arsham, as well as Italian maestro Andrea Branzi’s newest body of work, Roots. Elsewhere, Paris-based Galerie Patrick Seguin will present historic works by iconic French designer Jean Prouvé, whom the gallery has championed for years. And US gallery R & Company marks its first-ever Parisian presentation with an exhibition spotlighting the likes of Wendell Castle, Joaquim Tenreiro, Jeff Zimmerman, Roberto Lugo, Studio 65, and Studio Job.

DM/What will make you feel like the debut Paris show was a great success?

JR/The success of the debut Paris show will be measured in several ways. While gallery sales are a crucial component of our fairs, we also value the relationships that are forged during the event. We hope the Design Miami/ community will take away not only new acquisitions but also a deeper appreciation for the design world. Success means creating an environment where collectors and enthusiasts can learn, connect, and share their passions. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the growth and appreciation of design, and we will consider the Paris show a success if it helps achieve these objectives.